4100 remote backup error positive integer

The 4100 Remote Backup Error: Positive Integer Required is a common issue encountered during automated or scheduled backup tasks, particularly with NAS (Network Attached Storage) devices, remote backup software, or enterprise backup tools. While the error message may seem cryptic, it usually points to a configuration mistake involving a field that expects a positive whole number—but instead receives either nothing, a negative value, or an invalid character.

In this article, we'll explain what this error means, what causes it, and how you can fix it easily.

What Does the 4100 Remote Backup Error Mean?

The "4100" is a general error code that refers to a failure in initializing or running a remote backup operation. The message “positive integer required” specifically indicates that one of the parameters in the backup settings requires a positive integer (e.g., 1, 5, 30) and did not receive one.

This error often appears during:

Scheduling automatic backups

Configuring backup retention rules

Setting up backup version limits

Inputting bandwidth limits or timeouts

Common Causes

Here are some of the most common reasons for this error:

1. Empty or Invalid Field in Backup Settings

If a numeric field (like backup interval, version retention count, or retry attempts) is left blank or filled with a non-numeric value (e.g., letters, symbols), the backup system will reject it.

2. Zero or Negative Value Entered

Fields requiring a positive integer (greater than zero) cannot accept values like 0 or -1. Some backup software checks this strictly and throws an error immediately.

3. Corrupted Configuration File

If the backup configuration file is corrupted or improperly formatted, it might have blank or incorrect values causing the integer check to fail.

4. Manual Editing Mistakes

Some administrators prefer to manually edit config files in XML or JSON format. A small mistake like entering "interval": "-5" can cause this error.

How to Fix “4100 Remote Backup Error: Positive Integer Required”

✅ 1. Check Backup Settings Carefully

Open your backup software or NAS UI and double-check all fields:

Schedule intervals (daily, hourly, etc.)

Number of versions to keep

Retry attempts

Timeout durations

Make sure all required numeric fields have positive integers.

✅ 2. Avoid Leaving Fields Blank

If you're not using a certain option (like retry attempts), set it to a small default value like 1 instead of leaving it blank or entering 0.

✅ 3. Review Configuration Files

If you're configuring the backup through a config file (like config.json, .conf, or .xml), open it in a text editor and check all values requiring integers. Make sure they're valid—no negative numbers or empty fields.

✅ 4. Reset to Default Settings

If you're unsure which field is causing the issue, try resetting the backup configuration to default settings and start over. Most backup apps have a “Reset” or “Restore Defaults” option.

✅ 5. Update the Backup Software

Sometimes this error can result from a bug in the software. Make sure you're using the latest version of the backup tool or NAS firmware.

Conclusion

The 4100 Remote Backup Error: Positive Integer Required is a clear indication that a numeric field in your backup configuration is incorrectly set. By reviewing your backup schedule, retention rules, and timeout settings, and ensuring that every required field contains a valid positive integer, you can easily fix the problem and resume your backups.

If the error persists even after making corrections, consider checking logs or contacting your software provider for deeper diagnostics.